Christmas 2009 SW

Shepherd’s Watch The magazine for and by the people of the Good Shepherd

December 2009

60p African Journey Sheila Upson Tribute Faith & Science pt 2

Sarah Banerjee

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The Clergy Priest in Charge

December 2009

Churchwardens Ian Hill 77 Hove Park Road Hove BN3 6LL. Tel (01273 888607) David Nissen 1 Shirley Road Hove BN3 6NN Tel (01273) 554183

Stewardship Secretary Fr. Felix Mascarenhas The Vicarage 272 Dyke Road Brighton BN1 5AE Tel (01273) 882987 felixmas@hotmail.com

David Nissen 1 Shirley Road Hove BN3 6NN Tel (01273) 554183

Reader Meets on second Thursday afternoon and fourth Thursday evening of the month. Please contact Christine James telephone (01273) 724802

Parish Office

Michael Miller 68 Ainsworth Avenue Ovingdean Brighton BN2 7BG Tel (01273) 240287

The Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.30 to 10.30.

The Parish Office telephone number is (01273) 553747

Tea Club Meets on the first Monday of the month at 1.30pm. We welcome all who are 50 years plus, who are free and would like some company. Just come along.

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“Christmas Begins With Christ” This thought provoking advert will be at many of our bus-stops in the run up to Christmas. Whatever may have been the social, etymological and religious circumstances that changed the “dies solis” festivity into Christmas, but it is needless to say how much, since then the world and Europe in particular, have been transformed in the last two millennia.

But how can Christmas still be meaningful today? Christmas is a celebration of hope in this fragile world of evolving humans. Amidst the melting glaciers, crumbling economies and changing cultures and particularly to those living in dark moments, the Word that became human in Jesus, continues to be a solid rock and a constant light of hope.

Many will celebrate once again this Christmas with that faith and hope. In spite of the latest scientific progress, deep moral and physical questions, continuing to multiply and baffle us.

Christmas reminds us that God continues to come down to us all times and every time we are open to him. Christmas does not give answers to our rational and scientific questions, but it can elevate our humanity taking it closer to his divinity.

A greater meaning and efficacy of Christmas can result if we form part of that saving project of God. He has left in our hands his creation and we are called to be his partners. For us who believe in Him, it is not only Christmas, but even our very existence and that of the universe, begins and ends with Christ. May this Christmas bring us that awakening for grater joy, unity and peace in this world.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Father Felix Don't forget the magazine is taking a break and will re-emerge in March with a Lent/Easter edition. Contributions will still be welcome. Thank you again to Marcus Grice, Jenn Adamson and Pauline Grimstone who have agreed to form the new production team. If you have any ideas for the new format do let one of the team know.

The Shepherd’s Watch Team

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An African Journey The intense heat of the afternoon has eased a little now that the rain has come and gone. The steep green slopes of the Rwenzori mountains across the valley, which were shrouded in a veil of heavy rain only a short while ago, are clearly visible again. The hot African sun is gradually creeping up on us as we sit in the shade of the verandah of the guest house at Kagando hospital in Uganda, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The sounds of African music clashing with a noisy TV, hens clucking, cockerels crowing, children shouting, cicadas rasping, frogs croaking and mosquitoes buzzing have filled our ears for several weeks. The smells of wood smoke and kerosene, sweat and the sweet herby scent of the lush undergrowth have become familiar. We’re getting used to the diet of rice, matoke – steamed and mashed green bananas - and beans, with occasional pieces of tasty pork and wonderful pineapple from the garden; but we’re starting to hallucinate about fresh salad, sparkling water, puddings (Richard) and red wine (me).

Our trip began at Maputo in Mozambique, where Richard was speaking at a Christian medical conference. Here we saw the extreme contrasts between the exotic hotels and the surrounding slums. We learnt that the country is crippled by the corruption of its leaders: most families live on less than a dollar a day, and the average life expectancy is 35 years.

This was in contrast to Botswana, our next destination. Here, though HIV-AIDS is also taking a heavy toll, corruption is less of a problem, and there is an air of optimism and progress, aided

by Chinese investment.

Largely because of its diamond industry, the country has more wealth available than most other African countries, though the world recession is having an inevitable detrimental effect: de Beers has stopped its diamond mining, temporarily, it is hoped.

Our sixth flight was to Uganda. We arrived safely at Entebbe on Lake Victoria –unlike our luggage, which was holidaying in Johannesburg. As we arrived, Richard’s phone was stolen and mine stopped working altogether. However, we were being well-

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looked after: we were lent a phone and four days later were reunited with our luggage half an hour before we set off southwest for Mbarara with our medical eye-surgeon friend in his Uganda Eye Project truck.

On the way we visited three young patients who’d had surgery for aggressive eye cancer earlier in the year. The ubiquity of mobile phones meant these patients’ families could be contacted and asked to meet us at trading posts on the way. We watched as prosthetic eyes were tried for size, to improve the appearance of these babies whose lives had been saved by the surgery.

During the next few days we took some holiday in various beautiful parts of the country. Our adrenal glands were exercised well as we travelled at breakneck speed in a car with a badly cracked windscreen on dreadfully pot-holed and crumbling roads, overtaking enormous petrol tankers and articulated lorries speeding from Kenya to Rwanda. Our young driver was capable but appeared to have no fear as he used his mobile, changed music tapes, yawned and stretched as he scattered children, heavily-loaded bicycles and animals in our path.

We travelled close to the Rwanda border and stayed on an island lake where there were over 240 species of African birds, and then moved north to do chimp tracking in Kibale forest. As we travelled up the Kizinga channel between Lakes Edward and George in the Queen Elizabeth National Park we saw hippo, elephants, buffalo and crocodiles close up.

In our safaris we became acquainted with a variety of guest rooms: one a rather dark hole with grubby bed linen, no mosquito net, a non-functioning shower, and gecko droppings littering the room, but at least there we could ask for cups of tea – so very welcome!

Things began to look up when we arrived here at Kagando hospital and community, where we were welcomed warmly and introduced to the wards where we’d be observing, and helping where we could. When people hear that Richard was here forty years ago (for his medical elective) their faces register incredulity (Continued on page 6)

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and then they go into fits of joyous laughter. “Forty years ago!

How can anyone be so old?!’ ‘God has been very good to give you so many added years!’ Indeed he has. This has been a delightful reminder to us of God’s providence.

We are now adjusting to the very different setting from our usual hospital work places. The ward floors are covered in additional mattresses to accommodate the high patient load. The patients’ relatives, who are there to do all the caring – washing, cooking, feeding – sleep on the beds with their family, or on mattresses underneath the beds at night.

Helping a patient with mobility problems to walk along a sixinch gap between mattresses is a new experience for me. I had visions of one rather heavy Congolese lady crashing on to one of the very sick patients on the floor as we inched past. Thank goodness there are no such things as Risk Assessment and Health & Safety… you just get on and help in whatever way seems possible, such is the extreme need.

The physiotherapy hut is next to the leprosy ward and every morning I see a group of elderly men languidly chatting to each other as they wash their bandages and drape them to dry in the sun over the oldest, most rusty walking frames I’ve ever seen.

We walk between the wards through the smoke pouring from the cook-house where the families shell beans and peel bananas, and stoke their charcoal stoves as they prepare food for their sick relatives.

Two little boys – motherless, and sons of a patient on a ward – hang around the physio hut much of the day. They can’t afford to attend school and are at a loose end: they keep asking to borrow the football we use for therapy.

These boys are dependent on the kindness of women around who cook extra food for them and their father, and even remove the jiggers (parasitic worms) from their bare feet.

The sense of caring of these people for those in even greater need has been humbling. We have met many people who have taken in orphans to add to their already large families.

The community at Kagando, with its hospital, outreach clinics, nursing school, primary school and church, provides an

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example of caring for the whole person: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Of course, it’s not without its real problems. Financial shortages sometimes hinder paying staff, and buying medicines or surgical supplies. Retaining staff is an additional challenge: as they gain additional qualifications some are inclined to move to the cities where they can earn more or set up private clinics locally in competition with the hospital.

Although almost everyone we meet here asks for money or our support for their work, we feel we are gaining much. We have great admiration for their generosity in the face of hardship; the warmth of their welcome; their gift of laughter; the deep Christian faith of many that results in sacrificial service towards others. It’s proving to be a humbling yet rewarding time, with many issues to consider and people to remember for a long time to come.

Meriel Vincent CGS Has Talent Well done to Sarah Banerjee for drawing the lovely picture on the front of the magazine. Thank you to all those who entered the competition- we had some lovely drawings-there is clearly a great deal of talent amongst our young people. I understand from the judges it was a very difficult decision. Ethan Skeeles came a close second-his picture is below.

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Sheila Upson died in November. At her funeral tributes were given written by her sons Martin and Paul (the latter was written before his own death) Extracts from these are reproduced below.

IN MEMORY OF SHEILA (written by Paul Upson NOV. 2008.)

Whenever I think of Sheila, the picture that comes to mind is of a mother who devoted her whole life to the needs of the family and the home. It is important now that her life has ended (albeit after mine) to put that life in its proper historical context, because it helps us to understand what mattered so much to her.

Sheila and Geoffrey were married in 1938, I was born in October1939 at the start of the war, and Martin was born in October 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain. In that same month Sheila learnt of the loss of all their furniture and possessions, including wedding presents, in the London blitz.

In 1942 we were bombed out of the house in Canterbury as the Luftwaffe tried to hit the cathedral, and moved to the coast. In 1944 Sheila fell seriously ill with a thyroid condition as Geoffrey left for a posting in India . Both Martin and I can still remember our anxiety and worry about what was wrong with her – our behaviour showed all the signs of what I, as a clinical Psychologist would recognize as a classic case of ‘separation anxiety’. Needless to add, when Geoffrey returned to the U.K. in 1946, neither of us understood why Sheila was so excited, and neither of us recognized him.

This is not meant to be a hard luck story because once the family were united again and in a home of their own, things become very much better. I firmly believe that it was Sheila’s determination to provide a secure and stable home environment which enabled Martin and I to do so well in our studies and get to University.

Those of you who know her well will know that she never gave up on her efforts to care and provide for us – often I think to the point where she neglected any needs and priorities she might have herself. It was often very difficult to have any kind of conversation with her that did not revolve around the home and the family; and because I could never have a family of my own it

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was easy for me to feel left out and on the sidelines sometimes.

Many of you from the church will know that she placed very great importance on the work of the Mother’s Union and the value system they espoused. It would not be going too far to say that she was totally identified with its aims, beliefs and principles. She and Geoffrey regarded their involvement in the church as crucial to their sense of wellbeing, whether it be singing in the choir, making cakes or sandwiches, or raising money for various church events, taking part in outings, the annual croquet match that took place at No. 23 Hazeledene Meads etc.

Here Sheila is on the front row to the right.

Obviously, as she got older she could not do as much, but all of you will know that even when she was living in the nursing home, getting to church on Sundays meant a great deal to her. I would like to thank all those who asked after me during my illness, and who made sure I was included in your prayers. And I would especially like to thank Daisy, who when Sheila started to get confused in her mind, would remind me of the positive (Continued on page 10)

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things Sheila used to say in the past about my life time’s work in the NHS. Now she is gone, but people will remember her life of service, and I know that is how she would wish to be remembered.

Part 2 (by Martin Upson) Thank you all for being here today to remember and celebrate the life of Dear Sheila, my Mother. I would also wish to thank you all for the love and support you have given Sheila, especially over the last few years when she has said goodbye to many of her close family, her dear husband Geoffrey in 2005, her dear Sister Thelma in 1994,a dear daughter-in-Law, Margaret, and then her much loved eldest son Paul, just a year ago.

Sheila was born in Canterbury to Tom and Ellen Mann. Sheila was a bright and clever young lady, but being naturally left handed she was continually punished at School for what was seen as a deviance in those days. However, she blossomed at secondary School, becoming Head Girl, and Captain of the Hockey Team. She was also an accomplished pianist.

She went onto Secretarial College in 1935 and then worked for the Midland Bank, as one of the first female cashiers who dealt with the public. very much a male preserve in those days. She met Geoffrey through the Amateur Dramatics of the two Canterbury Churches of St. Pauls and St. Martins and they were married in 1938. The war years intervened ,and various events, during that time had an effect on Sheila for the rest of her life.

After the War, when Geoffrey returned from the Far East in 1946, family life settled down and Sheila became a full time Mother, and, dare I use the term, Housewife.

When we came home from School there was always a plate of sandwiches and goodies, to help with the homework…she did a really good banana and peanut butter. In later years when I came to visit her on my own, from Somerset, she still insisted making the evening meal…….and there was always chocolate biscuits and cheese cake we both shared a very sweet tooth!!!

Geoffrey always liked his lunch at 1-00, he always came home from work for his cooked meal and Sheila dutifully provided it .

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Sheila had a great sense of loyalty and devotion to duty which was to care for her husband and two boys.

When Sheila and Geoffrey moved to Brighton over 40 years ago, they immediately became very active members of The Church of the Good Shepherd. They were both members of the choir for many years. Sheila had a lovely soprano voice which she kept well into her latter years, still singing and playing the piano at home. She was an active member of the Mothers Union .and for many years she was the Enrolling member. She was a great believer in the importance of a happy secure family life. We will be singing the Mothers Union Hymn at the end of this Service.

It also seems very appropriate that the opening hymn was “Blessed are the Pure in Heart” for Sheila had a great unshakable Faith…..but not only was she a worshipping Christian but a practising Christian.

My Mother was almost completely unselfish and always wanted to put everyone before herself. She tried to please everyone, not always a good idea. She saw the best in everyone and would not talk unkindly of anybody. This philosophy of life had an impact on everyone in her life all who knew her. If you love and care you get that in return from your family and friends .

All her neighbours in Hazeldene Meads, all who moved in, about the same time, 40 years ago, have been wonderful. Beryl and Arthur, John and Roma, Kathlene and Dick all provided valuable support. Next door to Sheila was Daisy, who was always there for help, advice and support…and has been wonderful and generous in her help with saying farewell to Sheila, today.

Someone who Sheila became very close to was Roberta. She was there to help when Geoffrey became ill and then has become a close friend over the last 13 years. Sheila died knowing that I was very happy with Roberta, and we look forward to a future together.

Diana, Sheila’s niece, and her family have been there to offer help and support to me, and Sheila over the last few years.

(Continued on page 12)

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Colin, her husband always brought a cake when they visited….one he had baked himself She was a very special Aunt.

Sheila had a very special relationship with her Grandchildren, Tim Jacky and Julie. When they were younger she had always saved up a small amount of pocket money from her housekeeping when they visited her, they appreciated it so much. They have made every effort to come down to Brighton to see her, with their partners, as often as possible, and she loved to see them and her three Great Grand Children Troy , Ben and Ted. She will live on in them all.

I would also wish to recognise all the Staff at Dane House Care Home who have loved and cared for Sheila over the last two/ half years. They were all captivated by Sheila’s warmth and gratitude for their care. She never complained “I don’t want to be any trouble dear” but they loved her and will miss her. A big thank you for making Sheila’s last years happy and fulfilling.

In love we shall keep the memory of Sheila and in gratitude we will always recall the memories she has left with us. Sheila gave value to the time she was in this World. We should leave here renewed and reheartened by the example that Sheila gave us all She was a wonderful lady.

Thank you for being my Mum.

The Legend of the Candy Cane It is shaped like the Good Shepherd's staff...a "J" that stands for the precious name of Jesus.

Its white stripes symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Christ.

Its small red stripes represent the scourging Jesus suffered on His way to the cross.

Its large red stripe reminds us of the blood Jesus shed as payment for our sins.

Margy Weir

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Autumn Groups – The Beginning About 40 people signed up for the Autumn Study groups this year meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and on Thursday morning after the 10.30 Eucharist. The subject was the book of Genesis which sounded interesting and, thanks to a lot of hard work by Fr Felix and Michael, it certainly was.

We started by talking about ‘Genesis’. What did it mean to us – after a few silly answers, we came up with the Big Bang, the beginning, etc, etc. Then, it was the flood and Noah’s ark which produced some lively discussion as to the possibility of building something as large in those days and then getting it to float!

Back to the beginning and several of us were surprised to find two totally different reports of God creating the world (hadn’t we ever read Genesis before?!). We talked about the beginning – the Big Bang again – was God there first? So that was the first thousand or so years. Then it was on to Adam and Eve – the sin and fall of humankind, Abraham and his sacrifice, Jacob and Joseph – lots to read, even more to discuss.

Thanks also to some very good speakers on Sunday mornings – Richard Hunt, Richard Vincent and Mathew Philip were the visiting preachers and Felix and Michael played their part too – we have thrashed out a greater understanding of the divisions between science, evolution and God. We have also learnt a lot about life in those far off times – found it shockingly immoral at first – and then realised that perhaps it’s not that different today.

Pat Hunter Family Games Evening.

Advance notice- there will be a family games evening in the hall on January 29th. This will have a range of activities including wii games, table tennis and hopefully a large Scalextric challenge.

There will also be a fish and chip supper. If you would like to know more details and are interested in attending please speak to Wendy Prince or Sarah Thomas

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A Fresh Look at Pastoral Care Visiting in our Church: One of the things I have so much appreciated at the Church of the Good Shepherd is the sense of belonging to a friendly, quietly supportive community of people...young and not so young, diverse in background and experiences, representing a wide spectrum of Christian belief.

In the Bible: Community has always been at the heart of our Faith from its roots in the Old Testament, where the Jewish people were called by God to belong to him, and serve him .Jesus called his disciples to be together, as in a family, following him and his example. The Early Church was knit together by its experience of the Risen Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul wrote about the Body of Christ, a community of individual believers. Throughout the ages to the present day community life has played a vital role in the Church. But it is not static. It can wither and die, or grow and become dynamic. It needs to be nurtured and encouraged if it is to fulfil its God given purpose. Pastoral care is central to the health of a community of faith.

In the Past: Here in our own church for many years, very worthwhile, dedicated ministry has taken place by a group of ordinary people who feel able to set aside a little time to visit or phone the housebound, the ill, the lonely and those in need of some extra caring support. Lifts to church, meals prepared for the ill, babysitting, shopping, etc. are other ways the visitors have shared the love of Jesus. We are deeply grateful to Julie Lay, Martin Hansford and others and more recently, Judy Snell, who have ,in turn, been willing to be coordinators of this group of volunteers, and who have given much time and effort in maintaining this vital work..Sadly, Judy now feels it right to give her time to other commitments, and so I now have the privilege of carrying the torch!

What can we do in the Future?: In looking towards 2010, it seems important to look afresh at what is taking place in our church in terms of pastoral care and what could be done to help it to grow and flourish. I think we would agree that in its general sense, Pastoral care is about looking out for the well-

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being of others, taking responsibility for giving practical support to each other when needed, putting love into action - the fulfilling of Jesus' Second Command, "Love your neighbour as you love yourself". But unless this kind of caring love can be focused, or organized , where the need of individual people in the community is greatest, then caring can be somewhat ephemeral.

Can you help?: Felix, Michael and I met not long ago to discuss the possibilities that lie ahead for the development of pastoral care. The first step is to form an up to date list of those people who are now, or would be willing to be visitors in the sense described above. Anyone interested should get in touch with Felix, Michael or me on 551454 . Once this has been done, we would like to know of people who would welcome a visitor for a friendly, confidential chat and cup of tea.

Looking down the line, we also discussed the possibility of establishing a wider Pastoral care system where a group of ten or so church attendees might be assigned to a specific person who would keep a gentle lookout for them. This would improve communication, and stimulate our care for each other. More of that later. I would very much welcome ideas and suggestions for moving forward in strengthening our fellowship together in the days ahead.

Margy Weir margaret.a.weir@ntlworld.com To all Readers and Listeners A Peaceful and Happy Christmas to you all!

Many thanks to all our lesson readers for their help and cooperation during the past year. We are pleased to welcome John Mitchell to our reading team. Margy Weir who has been "resting" from reading is welcomed back as an active reader. At present we have several readers "resting," we hope they will soon be reading again.

Any listeners who would like to consider being a reader, please let me know and I will be pleased to give you all the details.

Doreen Hyde

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Science and Faith - Part 2 In Part 1 of this article on the apparent clash between science and faith we looked at science. In Part 2 we explore faith and how we might both understand and calm the conflict.

What are the foundations of our belief? The Christian faith, like several others, rests on a person and a book - the Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible. Both direct us primarily the, transcendent or spiritual - indeed, that is their most important purpose. But both are also deeply intertwined with the material existence of our world.

The incarnate Lord Jesus Christ was as connected to this world as we are, yet at the same time truly lived out the nature of God and all that flows from him. Spiritual things were not separated off as unconnected ‘religious’ truths and activities; they were shown starkly to bear on all everyday earthly things of living and dying.

The bible, including our chief record of Jesus’ life, is filled with all sorts of literature - history, fable, parable, poetry, songs, and more. It was written by men in touch with the Spirit of God to provide an over-arching narrative of God’s character and his ongoing relationship to real people throughout and beyond our real history.

The bible talks about our own faith in the sense of being a gritty, practical trust not simply an intellectual or emotional assent to what it teaches. This is like trusting that the mechanic has indeed mended your parachute properly just before you leap out of the plane.

But we are invited to exercise a faith that is not irrational or unreasonable. Jesus and the writers of the New Testament were keen to demonstrate historical and visible evidence on which it should rest. So what evidence does exists on which we can build our faith in God’s nature and actions? Here are three common approaches: Design – the structures and integration of the universe at all scales from genes to galaxies. Many scientists judge the likelihood of its utterly remarkable features and balance

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occurring by chance as infinitesimally small. For them (and me) it takes a far wilder leap of faith to believe in causality by impersonal chance than to embrace the Christian explanation of creation by a personal God of un-imaginable intelligence. From this perspective, science becomes an exciting adventure of discovering creation’s awesome mechanisms and processes rather than using it as a final cause for existence.

Revelation - particularly of God the Father by the Lord Jesus Christ. From the writings of those who walked with him, the historical reality of Jesus presents a case for our faith that is robust. Read ‘The Case for Christ’ by Lee Strobel, or ‘Who Moved the Stone’ by Frank Morison*. Both authors were experienced lawyers who as atheists set out either to disprove or sceptically explore the existence, claims and physical resurrection of Christ. In the event, both were overwhelmed by the evidence supporting the biblical account and both turned to a lively faith.

Christian witness - the life and example of godly people who illustrate his rule of love and truth as they live in the world.

Undoubtedly, the wars, pomp, elitism, intolerance and corruption that have featured in religious activity through the ages have presented nothing commendable about the faith. But where Jesus’ followers have shown tangible humility, compassion, costly forgiveness, welcoming love or uncommon generosity, the reality of his nature becomes evident and powerful.

Why do science and faith find themselves in conflict? Firstly (and most commonly) the clash can arise because of differences in the interpretation of the bible. Galileo was a man of strong Christian faith yet in 1610 he upset the church authorities with his evidence-based theory that the sun, not the earth, was the centre of the universe. Against religious opposition he argued that this view was not contrary to the bible - notably to where it indicated that ‘the world will not be moved’. He took St. Augustine's position on scripture, not to take every passage literally, at face value, particularly ‘when the scripture in question is a book of poetry and songs’.

(Continued on page 18)

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We really do need wisdom in biblical understanding, bearing in mind the main purpose for which it was written, when, where, by whom and in what form. Eastern writings from 3000 years ago use language and ideas of time & number that are very different from today; yet they cannot be denied the potential to convey truths that correctly inform us of the most important realities of our existence. Sadly, Galileo’s defence was not accepted, and thus began the ongoing division between rational science and a disconnected ‘other’ world of philosophy and religion. This division remains and continues to have a powerful effect on Western thought.

A second reason is that scientists can overstate the certainty or interpretation of their findings - or that these are enhanced selectively by media reporting. Scientists can have missionary zeal, and the media is greedy for what can be presented as new, unambiguous, and dramatic.

A third reason is that people do not want to believe in anything other than the material universe. At heart, they reject God as their ultimate creator whatever the mechanism science currently proposes as the creative process. Like the prodigal son they would prefer their father dead, but in any case grab what they can and tell him to push off; they can then be free to enjoy life uncluttered by his constraints - for a while.

From a Christian perspective science and faith need not be in conflict. We do not invoke God as an explanation of the material mechanisms we don’t yet understand while discarding his significance in those we think we do. God is the majestic originator of all, including the inquisitive minds and sharp skills that man uses to learn of the workings of what he has made.

Einstein’s e=mc2 demonstrates the marvel of God’s thinking turned into reality more than the achievement of man who identified this relationship that underpins the workings of the universe.

Jettisoning from life all but materials and mechanisms leaves us adrift in a universe with no final reference for meaning or morals, no ultimate source of peace, no adequate definition of love. Embracing God - trusting him as the centre of our personal

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world - does, as Jesus said, bring life, and ‘life more abundantly’.

Richard Vincent *Both books are available on the Amazon book site.

Mothers' Union Calendar December Sat 5th Dec 9am Corporate Communion in the Lady Chapel Thursday 10th Dec 12 noon Christmas Lunch at The Withdean Sportsman Carvery. Please let Christine know by 6th Dec if you are coming.

January Thurs 14th Jan 2.45pm Prayer Group led by Pat Hunter at 29 The Martlet, Hove February Sat 6th Feb 9am Corporate Communion in the Lady Chapel Thurs 11th Feb 2.45pm Prayer Group led by Christine James at 22 Ranelagh Villas, Hove Thursday 25th February 7.30pm in the Green Room AGM and Bring and Buy. Advance notice To being the new triennial there will be a Commissioning service in Chichester Cathedral on Saturday 20th March at 2.30pm.

Tickets need to be ordered shortly so if anyone would like to go please let Christine know as soon as possible.

Christine James

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Grub Club The Grub Club met at Daisy’s for their annual Fish and Chip Supper in November. Fifteen of us enjoyed a hearty meal, washed down with a glass or two of wine, and then settled down to puzzle over some quiz sheets. The group scoring the most points were in the conservatory and they were rewarded with a prize apiece.

We hadn’t planned to have an event in December – so many things to do before Christmas. However when we were lunching at The Sportsman, Withdean, in October, we discovered their Christmas menu – available from the beginning of December. It looks good so we’ll be meeting there on Tuesday 1 December.

We advise you to get there before 12 noon so that we can get tables altogether.

The first 3 dates in the calendar for 2010 are Monday 18 January, Monday 15 February and Monday 15 March – keep a watch for what’s planned in the weekly sheet.

If you have any ideas for events, do let Pat or Daisy know – if you’re willing to arrange an event, even better, but do come and support us – everyone is welcome and there’s no membership.

Pat and Daisy 555954/508600

Orphanage Update Just in case you missed it ! - £2,000 has been sent to the Pilar Orphanage in India This excellent total was the result of almost a year’s fund raising starting with the ‘curry night’ in the early part of the year and culminating in our harvest festival activities where Lancing College Preparatory School students and parents also contributed handsomely to the total raised by the congregation. My grateful thanks to all who contributed to this worthwhile cause. Hopefully Fr Felix will bring news and photographs back from his latest trip to Goa. Dick Aynsley-Smith

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TEL: 01273 779780 FAX. 01273 727281 www.andrewnichols.co.uk

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Family Funday 2010 I gave a huge sigh of relief when I opened my curtains on the morning of June 27, the sky was blue, not a cloud to be seen and the sun was beating down. You may ask why I was so concerned about the weather on this particular Saturday- it was because of the Family Fun Day. A huge amount of planning and effort had gone into it, the weather could make or break the day.

The day was a massive success, raising almost ÂŁ1500 for the Church and bringing the community together for an afternoon of fun, games, bouncy castles and free tea and cakes! Well done to Paul Chantry who masterminded the whole event. Somehow this year Felix managed to corner me and persuade me that it was my turn to give it a go!

Although this year was really successful, next year we would like to make it an even bigger and better event, however to do this we need help. The event, which is part of the GS Festival takes a huge amount of planning (which is already underway, there have been 3 meetings to date and there are many more to come!)

What would have made the day more successful and rather easier on those running it would have been more volunteers and helpers. We hope to have just as many stalls and games next year if not more and we need someone to run each of these stalls. This year a few people ran stalls for the entire afternoon without even a loo break!

So if you feel you could lend a hand, even if for only an hour then please sign up on the list that will be at the back of church from January, we need help not only on the day but also to deliver leaflets to the entire parish. We also require help on the day before to collect various items, if you have a large car or van please make yourself known! We have 2 volunteer co-ordinators for next year, they are Sarah Christoforou and Hannah Beattie, (both usually to be found at the back of church with me trying to round up our many children!)

If you know anyone who is in a band or music group who would like to play then please get in touch, likewise if you know anyone who would like a stall to sell homemade crafty things/jewellery etc.

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If you own or run a business locally maybe you would like to sponsor the GS Festival, for a small, negotiable fee you could gain some great local publicity.

Of course we will be asking for donations of cakes, raffle and tombola prizes nearer the event, but for now a promise or an hour or two of your time would be wonderful.

So if you would like to join up with a group of fun individuals who are going to try and make a big success of what is turning out to be a vital part of the COGS social calendar please get in touch.

Louise Hotchkiss email: churchofgsfamilyfunday@hotmail.com

Crib Service Helpers It's that time of year again. Don't forget when you are planning your social engagements to include THE event of the year. The only place to be at 6pm on Christmas Eve is the Good Shepherd when once again against a backdrop of calm, peace and serenity we meet to hear the re-telling of the story of Christ's birth.

I admit I may be employing slight(!!) artistic licence with the calm and peace bit but do come along anyway. If you have children, grandchildren or friends with children we are always looking for more angels, shepherds and sheep so do encourage them to come and take part- we will be rehearsing at 3pm in church on the 23rd December. We are also looking for adult helpers to help in the hall before the service. Also, please do tell all your friends in the local community about the crib service and encourage them to attend. If you would like to know more please ask Hilary Morfitt or me for more information.

Thank you Sarah Thomas

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December 2009

Umbrellas The recent windy weather will have blown many umbrellas inside out. If it’s happened to you and the item is languishing in a cupboard with broken spokes – please, could I have it? I need lots, so any that you find will be most welcome – and it’s not just now – we have six months to collect as many as we can! And I’m sure there will be many more windy days to come.

So, as the old song goes…

Toodle – luma luma Toodle – luma luma Toodle – oh lay Any umberellas, any umberellas To mend today?………

(The clue? It’s just over 6 months to the GSFest 2010 – and planning has already begun!)

Pat Hunter (555954)

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December 2009

Prayers From Around the World Romania Oltenia is a region in the south of Romania, and a very hard field for the gospel. Three organisations - Christian Medical Association, Scripture Union Romania and Fundatia Shema – recently collaborated on a mission to five villages in this region.

More than 200 volunteers, doctors, medical students, singers, preachers and others came together to speak about the gospel and demonstrate God’s Kingdom through practical action. As well as many meetings and personal conversations, the medical people undertook more than 2,500 free consultations providing free medicines as well. Pray that this will have helped to open the hearts of people to the gospel.

Honduras The political situation has caused much disruption and instability in a country that is already one of the poorest in Latin America.

People live in fear of what tomorrow might bring. Pray for the authorities of the country that God may guide them in the decisions that they make to bring about an end to this crisis.

Please pray too for an end to the hostilities and confrontation between each side – pro and against the coup.

United Kingdom Please pray for the many international students remaining in the UK over the Christmas holiday. Give thanks for families offering Christmas meals and hospitality, and for churches organising Christmas services and events. Ask the Lord to use these opportunities to reach international students with the gospel and the true meaning of Christmas, and for the friendships built up in this time to be maintained throughout the following term.

Ghana Since 1990 Ghana has lost more than a quarter of its forest cover.

Trees are cut down for the timber export trade, or to increase the area available for cocoa cultivation, or simply for firewood. A Rocha’s Climate Stewards project invests in many small-scale tree -planting programmes with university groups and rural communities in central and northern Ghana. In 2010 more trees will be planted. Please pray that this year, even if there are floods or droughts, the new plantations will thrive and bring the blessings that forests provide for both people and wildlife.

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December 2009

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December 2009

Birthdays December 5th Hugo Barwell 3 years 28th Leah Digby-Thomas 3 years 29th Sophie Chantry 2 years January 11th Sebastian Flack- Hill February 4th Franklin Warburton 4 years 6th Dominic Flack- Hill 4 years

The Tea Club In November the Tea Club had a superb afternoon at the Garden Centre at Kingston.

The weather was good and we were able to buy some early Christmas presents followed by an enjoyable cup of tea, etc.

Next month we are being entertained by Lancing College Prep.

School Junior Choir, under the leadership of their Director of Music, Mr Alex Farley. That should be a magnificent afternoon.

Would Christine Bailey, Maureen Clark and Sheila Swift please make some cakes.

Elizabeth Alcock

We are very grateful to all the advertisers, who enable us to keep the price of the magazine down. Please patronise them whenever you can and do mention that you heard of them through the Good Shepherd Magazine.

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December 2009

Lost and Found Personal reflections on the last twelve months.

This was the year I lost my husband of fifty-three years, on the 24th December.

This was the year I found God's enabling grace and strength to carry me through the pain of bereavement.

This was the year I lost my closest companion and friend, Alan.

This was the year I found the Lord Jesus to be my ever present friend, and his Spirit to be the most wonderful companion, guiding and protecting me as I stumbled along the path of uncertainty.

This was the year I lost a sense of stability and direction in life.

This was the year I found the fulfilment of the promise in Psalm 23:4 .."though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and staff comfort me."

This was the year Alan lost the restrictions of his ailing body and found full healing in his eternal home in heaven.

This was also the year that I lost my fear of the future and found great inner peace, the peace that passes understanding.

To all who have supported me and my family in prayer I want to say how grateful I am. Without that support my journey of bereavement would have been so much more difficult.

Margy Weir The Christmas Quiz !

Oh no, I hear some of you groaning – but there are some who have been enquiring when it will be ready and what the subject is! So, yes, there will be another quiz this year. It is available on Sundays and will remain at £1 a copy. Please buy it – ALL proceeds go to the church. Please let me have your answers – we have such fun checking them! As for the subject this year – you’ll have to buy one to see.

Pat Hunter

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December 2009

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December 2009

Words and THE WORD Too many words!

THE WORD lost in a sea of words.

In the beginning was THE WORD! But where is it now?

So many words To explain one WORD Written and spoken and thought Until THE WORD is buried in words So that some say There is no WORD. So I offer you, Lord My silence And in the silence You alone shall teach me.

Teach me the WORD And I will live it.

What greater thing Can I do for your world Than ponder your WORD And try to live it?

For THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US. Skeena Bowen-Colthurst Wanted!

Donkey for Palm Sunday Does anyone know of a donkey to come and lead our Palm Sunday procession at 10.15am on 28 March 2010?

We do not want a repeat of the disappointment caused by our usual donkey’s absence last time…

If you can help, please contact Fr Felix

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December 2009

Church Website It seems that everywhere we go things are moving “on-line”, and COGS has kept up with the times. We have had a web presence for nearly 10 years, and we do try to make sure it is up to date and relevant to the needs of the parish as possible.

So it is probably time to take a review and find out whether this is really the case. So before we revamp the site, I would like to canvas opinion on: •

What you like about the site?

•

What you would change on the site?

•

What things are missing from the site?

So please drop me a line at newsite@the-good-shepherd.net and I will try to make sure your comments are included.

If you want to take a closer look the address is: www.the-good-shepherd.net Martin Thomas

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December 2009

Our Regular Sunday Services 8am, Holy Communion 10.15am, Parish Eucharist 10.15am, “Time for God”, informal worship for all ages, in the Church Hall; On the third Sunday of each month there is a single Family Eucharist in Church at 10.15 6.30pm, Choral Evensong on third Sunday of each month and Evening Prayer on other Sundays.

DECEMBER 6th ADVENT 2 10th 4.15pm, Lancing Prep at Mowden school’s Carol Service 11th 10am, Windlesham school’s Carol Service 13th ADVENT 3 12 – 2pm, Christmas Party for children and families 19th 1pm, Wedding of Katherine Wing & Dan King 20th ADVENT 4 10.15am, Family Eucharist with Christingle in aid of The Children’s Society 4pm, Christmas Carol Service followed by mince pies and mulled wine 24th CHRISTMAS EVE 6pm, Crib Service 11.30pm, Midnight Mass with choir carols from 11pm 25th CHRISTMAS DAY 8am, Holy Communion 10.15am, Family Eucharist 27th CHRISTMAS 1 JANUARY 3rd EPIPHANY 10.15am Induction of Fr Felix as Vicar by Archdeacon Douglas McKittrick 10th BAPTISM OF CHRIST 16th 9am - 6pm, Music Workshop organized by Neil Jenkins 17th EPIPHANY 2 10.15am, Family Eucharist and First Communions 6.30pm, Choral Evensong 24th EPIPHANY 3 29th 7pm, Family Challenge (Fun time for families and children) 31st CANDLEMAS 6.30pm, Taizé FEBRUARY 7th 2 BEFORE LENT 6.00pm, Choral Evensong at Portsmouth Cathedral, Installation of Nicholas Biddle as Precentor 13th 7.30pm, Cypriot Evening 14th NEXT BEFORE LENT 21st LENT 1 10.15am, Family Eucharist with Ashes 6.30pm, Choral Evensong

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Lent Groups begin this week LENT 2 MARCH 7th LENT 3 14th MOTHERING SUNDAY 10.15am, Family Eucharist 19th-21st Retreat to Alton Abbey 20th A short Spring Walk (even with dogs) followed by lunch at a pub 21st LENT 5 6.30pm, Choral Evensong 25th 9am, Lancing Prep at Mowden school’s Easter Service 26th 10am, Windlesham school’s Easter Service 28th PALM SUNDAY (Canon David Painter of Peterborough Diocese, will be our preacher for the Holy Week) 29th-31st 8pm, Eucharist with a short sermon APRIL 1st MAUNDY THURSDAY: 8pm, Eucharist and Watch 2nd GOOD FRIDAY: 10.30am, Family Service, for children and Parents 1pm, Hour before the Cross 2pm, Good Friday Liturgy 3rd EASTER EVE: 8pm, Easter Vigil 4th EASTER SUNDAY: 8am, Holy Communion 10.15am, Easter Eucharist 28th

N Battrick

Activities for Children and Young People The Little Lambs

Painter and Decorator Property Maintenance and all Exterior and Interior Work

(Parents and Toddler Group) Meets on Wednesday afternoon in the Church Hall.

Brownies 7-10 years

RELIABILITY and QUALITY GUARANTEED Your Local Tradesman

Estimates Free Tel (01273) 563908

Meet on Tuesday evening in the Church Hall. Please contact Tessa Pacey (01273) 551298

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The Church of the Good Shepherd Service Times Sunday Worship 8am Holy Communion 10:15 Sung Eucharist* 10:15 Time for God** 6.30 Evensong *On one Sunday each month this will be a Family E u ch ar i st to which children are particularly welcome. ** Time for God Services are held in the Church Hall.

Weekday Eucharists Tuesday 8:30am Thursday 10:30am Saturday 9am Morning Prayer Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8.30am Evening Prayer Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 5.30pm

December 2009

Grub Club Meets on third Monday of the month. All welcome. Please contact Daisy Walpole at (508600) and Pat Hunter at (555954)

Choir Choir practice every Friday evening in the church. New singers are always welcome. Please contact: Derek Froud (681007)

Hall To book the hall please Margaret Bell (505763)

contact

Keep Fit With Yoga Classes are held on Tuesday mornings – 10:15am to 11:15am. All ages welcome.

Please contact Joanne Cassidy (508010)

Flowers If you would like to donate an arrangement in memory of someone or help with the flower arranging, please contact Gloria Cruttenden (505225).

Bell Ringing Ringing practice every Tuesday evening in the Tower. New ringers are always welcome. Please contact either Pat Hunter (555954) or Margaret Bell.

Notice-boards Information (lists and posters) for the notice boards may be placed in the tray in the church porch windowsill or contact Gloria Cruttenden (505225).

Magazine Sarah Thomas, the editor, would welcome contributions.

Please send copy to 22 Chanctonbury Road or leave at the back of Church by 15th of the month. (327558) or eMail magazine@the-good-shepherd.net